WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today said she was pleased legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration was approved by the Commerce Committee.  The Senate Finance Committee must complete a related tax title to address funding issues before the measure moves to the full Senate for consideration.

“I applaud the Committee’s quick action on this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the FAA,” said Senator Hutchison.  “This bill presents an important opportunity to put the FAA on the right path.  This measure will directly impact and accelerate the FAA’s air traffic control modernization efforts.  But while sound long-term planning is still an important part of the overall process, it is time for the FAA to effectively and efficiently implement NextGen.  We need to start seeing the development of programs and projects that provide specific safety benefits and efficiencies for the millions of American who fly every year.”

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